L E T T E R S
O N   T H E
D I C T I O N A R Y
O F   T H E
R U S S I A N
L A N G U A G E

MAY 1921

6 V [1921]

Comrade Litkens! I forgot to ask you when we met to verify how things stand with the COM[MISSION OF] SCHOLARS COMPILING A DICTIONARY (brief) of contemporary Russian language (Pushkin-Gorky period). I have long ago, many times, made arrangements about this with Pokr[ovskii] and Lunach[arskii]. Is it being done? What exactly?

Find out and write precisely.

Com. fr. Lenin.

[9 May 1921]

Comrade Litkens! Your letter (concerning the dictionary) which is enclosed — is precisely incorrect. You are burdening Pokrovskii with administration instead of relieving him of administration. [What is needed is] 1) to direct an administrator — to order [him to] search out the documents (was there a resolution? whose? when? who is responsible?). 2) if "the matter has not progressed," find out why (if it is from rations — how much? — then it may be [we can] put it off until autumn).

Com. fr. Lenin

P.S. I recall that Pokr[ovskii] has told me more than once that he does not administer. That is the crux of it! It may be you will wait for Pokr[ovskii's] departure on leave and then search out the documents?

19 May [1921]

(Take advantage of Pokrovskii's rest in order to, without burdening him with administration)**, begin work on the compilation of a Russian dictionary of the Russian language.